Guilderland student charged in threat case

GUILDERLAND — A Farnsworth Middle School student was arrested and charged with “making a threat of mass harm” and has been referred to a local crisis center, town police said Saturday.

The misdemeanor charge follows what school and police officials called a list on a personal electronic device of school community members the student intended to harm. School officials learned about the list Thursday. Police said they were notified at 2 p.m. that day.

Police said they had the “full cooperation” of the student’s family during the investigation. As well as the referral to a crisis center, the student was referred to Albany County probation officials for the criminal offense, according to police.

Police said Saturday there does not appear to be any further credible threat but they will continue to work with the family and the school district to ensure safety in the community.

The list also caused concern within the school district since it had been shared on social media, a message on its website from Superintendent

Marie Wiles said.

The initial post was removed but was recirculated and “may continue to raise questions among our community,” Wiles wrote.

“We encourage families to talk to students about what they read and share online; if you see something, say something. As always, we are thankful for the vigilance of our community in reporting their concerns to us,” Wiles wrote.

Her message to families said if they have questions or further concerns to call the district office at 518-4566200.